- Describe one identity that you have that you are most proud of and explain why. Describe also one identity that you either are not proud of, or struggle with. Explain why you are not proud of this identity or why you struggle with it.
I am boldly, openly, proudly, and resiliently transgender. I live in a country that thinks my mere existence, is at bare minimum, a topic for political discussion or debate. It’s not like there’s a special name for these people, or that it’s a fringe opinion, or an opinion out of misunderstanding, it’s simply the reality of the thoughts and opinions of the majority of the people in this country after being inundated for the past 7 years with propaganda from not just fringe sources but even the mainstream media. Despite everything, I am still me. There’s a strong sense of pride that comes from that. There’s also a huge sense of struggle coming from that. I am most proud of the identity that I struggle with the most. Which, in a way, makes me even more proud. I of course have bad days and bad nights, but more than anything, I stand up stronger every time I fall.
- After reading the article “The Potential and Promise of Latino Students” discuss one new thing you learned about the Latino population. Be specific and explain your thoughts and reactions regarding what you read and learned.
I think the largest thing I’ve learned from the article is that the massive group of under-served and neglected students that the Latino population is could possibly be the most primed students to learn on a deeper level as well as in a way unique to other people due to cultural elements of their family, suggesting that we could possibly come to see soon a Latino excellency in higher education soon enough as we recognize these skills and the resources needed by students, which is massively exciting.
- Choose one of the videos assigned this week. What is the main argument of the video? What reasons are used to support the argument? What are your personal thoughts and reactions to what was presented in the video?
I think the NBC News video “Defining Latino” really has the main argument of being that there is no one singular Latino existence. Compared to other minority identities, where often there is a sense at least of solidarity or even just a yearning for community, there are many elements, including race (given that as an ethnicity Latinos can be Afro-Latino, white, or from numerous other origins), language, and so many other factors that make it so it becomes so hard to both define and unify the people under the label. My thoughts are immediately there as well as being very much glad the video shows a wide breadth of Latino individuals because truly as with any identity it is not one-size fits all.
One thought on “Eleanor Heaton Conversation 6”
Hi Eleanor,
I’m glad you are able to freely talk about your identity and feel secure in yourself to share your identity with all of us. I can see why you may struggle but I can also see why you are so prideful in it. We are in an age where there are so many different identities and people are now able to express themselves more than ever before. Of course there are still judgement and traditional ways of thinking out there but it’s an improvement from what once was.
Also, I do hope we see a rise of Latino excellency very soon! It’s important because we need more representation. There are Latinos out there who simply don’t want to pursue education, which is fine, but there are SO MANY who want to and simply can’t or feel like they can’t because of society. I hope to see these numbers skyrocket some day.